Beat the Clearing queue
Data Science BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): 7G73 (full-time); 7G74 (sandwich)
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Three years full-time / four years with placement
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Big data. Machine learning. Artificial intelligence. Data science underpins them all and at NTU we have one goal – to make you an expert.
You’ll get to grips with a mathematical framework that allows you to really understand the complexities of dealing with massive, highly dimensional datasets. As well as covering the fundamentals of core mathematics, we’ll support you to develop the tools to use and adapt complex algorithms.
You’ll study modules from both the mathematics and computing sides of your course, giving you a firm grounding across the subject. When you get to your final year project, you can choose a subject area that interests you the most and aligns with your future career.
Our Mathematics degrees are current and relevant to the needs of the business. Our close links with the industry mean that, if you wish, you’ll have the opportunity to take up job placements with some of the world’s leading companies.
Foundation Year
We offer BSc (Hons) Data Science (with foundation year) which you can apply for if you don't meet the entry criteria for this course. See our course page for foundation modules.
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Top 20 for student satisfaction in Mathematics (National Student Survey, 2022)
What you’ll study
From natural science, through the business, finance and retail sectors to social networking and mobile devices, computer-based systems now generate huge volumes of data almost continuously. The rapid emergence of ‘Big Data’ brings challenges: there is now an urgent need for graduates skilled in the sophisticated mathematical and computational techniques required for large-scale data analysis.
This bespoke course has been developed in conjunction with specialists in Data Science and sits at the interface of mathematics, statistics and computer science. You'll develop key computer science skills, becoming proficient in several programming languages as well as database design. You will also learn extensive mathematical and statistical theories and techniques, applying this knowledge to a range of problems linked to processing data.
Mathematical Methods
This module aims to consolidate and extend your previous knowledge of calculus and linear algebra, with emphasis on the underlying intuition of the techniques.
Introduction to Numerical Methods
Learn about important numerical methods for solving mathematical problems and develop computational skills using specialist mathematical software packages.
Foundations of Computing and Technology Programming
This module has several strands including programming and technical aspects that introduce you to the fundamentals of writing computer programs.
Computer Science Programming
Learn about programming languages relevant to software with industrial scale, reliability and performance characteristics.
Data Analysis
Gain an introduction to statistical ideas and their application using modern software. Explore data analysis, probability, statistical inference and statistical modelling.
Introduction to Abstract Algebra
You’ll be introduced to the world of rigorous mathematics, as well as the theory to help you learn about the most important algebraic structures; groups and vector spaces.
Mathematical Enterprise
In this module you’ll work in small teams to develop a plan for a new business or enterprise, using your mathematical skills to showcase the viability of your venture. This module is run in conjunction with Nottingham's Creative Quarter and you’ll work with several local businesses to create business plans.
Discrete Mathematics and Computational Complexity
Gain in-depth knowledge of the fundamental concepts in discrete mathematics and computational complexity theory by focusing on real-world applications.
Probability and Statistical Inference
Refine your knowledge of statistical inference and statistical modelling and further develop essential computational and IT skills
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
The rate at which data is being stored is growing at a phenomenal rate and many businesses are struggling to analyse and make sense of this vast collection of data. This module will introduce you to a number of machine-learning techniques to process and discover patterns in data.
Information and Database Engineering
Understand the nature and application of database management systems and acquire skills for database administration and management.
Linea Algebra and its Applications
This module will build your conceptual and technical background and, in particular, work on vector spaces will be extended and generalised to linear transformations. You’ll be introduced to coding theory through the application of linear algebra to linear codes.
Optional year-long work placement. If you are not taking a placement, you will progress directly to your final year in year three.
Distributed Database Engineering
Learn about the processes and techniques data scientists use to support the challenging workloads for data science by focusing on a range of distributed database technologies that can support big data.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Learn about the theoretical foundations of AI, the main methods and techniques and current areas of AI research and development.
Either
Project in Mathematics
Your project gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, knowledge and understanding of mathematics or computing, and show your planning and problem solving abilities.
OR
Project in Computing
Your project gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, knowledge and understanding of mathematics or computing, and show your planning and problem solving abilities.
And Either
Professional Mathematics Skills
Gain a broad view of the practical applications of mathematics in the real world, especially in industrial contexts such as finance, physics and
engineering.
OR
Communicating Science and Technology
This module will be of interest to you if you are considering a career in teaching and / or want to develop your portfolio of transferable skills.
Choose two modules from:
Stochastic Processes
Extend your understanding of probabilistic modelling to include stochastic processes and learn advanced techniques for investigating the behaviour of stochastic processes.
Optimisation
The optimisation is the art of optimal decision-making under constraints. This module introduces you to optimisation, focussing on the theoretical foundations of the subject, as well as the practical modelling aspects, and the algorithm analysis and design.
Computational Statistics and Data Analysis
Explore topics from computational statistics and statistical models relevant to modern applications, with an emphasis on developing a solid conceptual understanding of these methods through applications.
How you’re taught
We will provide lectures, practical computing sessions, seminars and two to four surgery sessions each week. Here you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems, or work through challenging topics. The rest of your time will be spent carrying out an independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.
Contact hours
Year 1 - lectures/seminars/workshops (36%) and independent study (64%)
Year 2 - lectures/seminars/workshops (32%) and independent study (68%)
Year 3 - lectures/seminars/workshops (19%) and independent study (81%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
How you’re assessed
We want you to graduate with a range of transferable skills, so all of the modules have two or three assessment components that help you to demonstrate your knowledge in a variety of ways. As well as traditional exams and in-class tests, you’ll complete assignments and group projects, and give presentations.
- Year 1 - coursework (57%) and written (43%)
- Year 2 - coursework (42%) and written (58%)
- Year 3 - coursework (66%) and written (34%)
- A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
Careers and employability
Your career development
This course prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities both inside and outside mathematics. It’ll help you to develop numerical, analytical and computational skills which are greatly respected by employers. You’ll also gain essential, transferable skills including report communication, team working and problem solving.
Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:
- Nomura
- Shell International Trading and Shipping
- Caisson Investment Management
They have also started careers in:
- industrial and commercial mathematics
- statistical applications systems modelling
- software engineering
- telecommunications
- IT applications
- teaching and research.
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:
- International Technology Analyst
- Investment Analyst
- Senior Auditor
- Data Analyst (Business Intelligence)
- Business Development Executive
Excellent placement opportunities
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including L’Oreal, IBM and Mercedes. They secured varied roles such as Business Analyst, Demand and Forecasting Assistant and IT Intern.
You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Find out more about work placements.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
- 112 - 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent Maths grade C
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent Maths grade C
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4
Applicants without A-levels will have their qualifications assessed for subject compatibility. We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations. Please see UCAS Course Search for more details.
If you don't meet the entry requirements above you might be interested in our BSc (Hons) Data Science (with foundation year).
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs. Placement opportunities are available in the UK and overseas. Travel grants and Erasmus funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs of approximately £20 - £50.
For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other
Students will require a basic scientific calculator for use in examinations (e.g. Casio 83 or 85 series, approximately £15).
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. See our fees.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
What do the course fees cover?
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs. Placement opportunities are available in the UK and overseas. Travel grants and Erasmus funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs of approximately £20 - £50. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other
Students will require a basic scientific calculator for use in examinations (e.g. Casio 83 or 85 series, approximately £15).
How to apply
Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you apply.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.